Learn / Full vs. Broad-Spectrum CBD: What's the Difference?
August 25th, 2023
In this modern era, there's a beckoning call — a gentle whisper from nature urging us back to our ancient roots. As we meander through life's complexities, an innate yearning draws us closer to the delicate embrace of the earth, reconnecting our souls with that of the plants. Guided by this renewed pursuit of natural wellness, many have rediscovered CBD — a verdant beacon of tranquility.
The rising tide of interest in CBD is a heartfelt ode to its promise. It speaks of a desire to intertwine the art of living with the gentle caress of botanical well-being. As we delve deeper into the realm of plants, understanding the myriad options becomes crucial, for in knowledge, we find the key to truly elevated experiences.
The history of the hemp plant traces back millennia. For generations, societies have recognized hemp for its versatile applications, from fabric and paper to therapeutic uses. As a sustainable and soothing type of cannabis plant, hemp stands as a testament to nature's ability to provide, nurture, and restore.
Diving deeper into the plant’s molecular landscape, we find cannabinoids — a group of compounds responsible for hemp's multifaceted wellness attributes. Among these, CBD (or cannabidiol) stands out as the most abundant cannabinoid, leading hemp's journey toward offering wellness benefits.
Nestled within the embrace of the hemp plant, CBD works its subtle magic, beckoning us towards moments of soft evenings and slow mornings and giving us the solace we often seek in the midst of life's cacophony. This is but the tip of the verdant iceberg that is hemp — a plant that holds within it the promise of nature’s gentle embrace, offering relaxation, togetherness, and shared moments of quiet beauty.
While hemp is now federally legal, its path across this legal landscape is as intricate as its molecular makeup. For years, hemp and its derivatives sailed through murky legal waters, lumped together with its psychoactive cousins. But the passing of the 2018 Farm Bill marked a monumental shift, granting hemp its place in the agricultural sphere.
This landmark bill legalized hemp and its extracts — as long as they contain less than 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content. In such a small amount, THC — the compound responsible for the euphoric highs associated with cannabis — does not produce psychoactive effects. In contrast, CBD doesn't induce psychoactivity but instead lulls the senses into a gentle embrace.
To truly appreciate the soothing allure of CBD, one must understand its harmonious dance with our body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). This intricate messaging system plays a pivotal role in maintaining our physiological balance.
At the heart of the ECS lie endocannabinoids — our body's self-produced cannabinoids. These molecules work alongside CB receptors scattered throughout our body, orchestrating a symphony of biological activities. Enzymes then enter the scene, breaking down cannabinoids once they've played their part, ensuring a delicate equilibrium.
As a phytocannabinoid, CBD can interact with the ECS, supporting our endocannabinoids without overwhelming them. Unlike THC, CBD does not bind directly to CB receptors in the brain. Instead, CBD can aid our endocannabinoids in their natural role, akin to a gentle breeze encouraging the existing flow of a river.
Delving into the myriad benefits of CBD feels like embarking on a journey through a lush, tranquil forest. Each attribute represents a pathway winding through the canopy, revealing the therapeutic wonders CBD has to offer.
CBD's caress on the endocannabinoid system is more than just gentle — it's supportive. It works in tandem with CB1 and CB2 receptors, primarily located in our central and peripheral nervous systems. By supporting our body's natural endocannabinoids, CBD nurtures a canvas of perceived relaxation, much like the serene calm that envelops a forest at daybreak.
The rigors of life often elevate cortisol levels, ushering in stress and tension that can cast long shadows on our well-being. But CBD, with its botanical essence, can support the endocannabinoid anandamide, a crucial player in supporting balanced levels of cortisol and crafting our body's stress response.
Here, CBD acts as a gentle undercurrent, guiding us through the turbulent waves and towards the tranquil shores of balance.
Discomfort, whether born from exertion or as a physical manifestation of stress, can find an ally in CBD. By encouraging the actions of endocannabinoids at CB receptors, particularly in areas of tension or fatigue, CBD offers a touch of nature's relief, much like the soft, cushioning moss that blankets a forest floor.
Sleep, nature’s way of mending the tapestry of our soul, can often be elusive — especially when we are facing stress. By assisting in unwinding both the mind and body, CBD gently ushers us into the realm of dreams. As it helps still the ripples of a restless mind, the body subtly shifts into a restful state, reminiscent of the peaceful descent of twilight.
The effects of CBD are akin to nature's whispered lullabies, harmoniously complementing our body's intrinsic rhythms to promote holistic well-being.
Navigating the world of CBD offers a diverse landscape, where each type unveils its distinct properties, beckoning a deeper understanding of its essence.
CBD isolate represents the purest form of CBD, devoid of any other synergistic plant compounds. When crafting isolate CBD extract, all other compounds found within the hemp plant are filtered out.
While this form of pure CBD may sound enchanting, its seclusion is its very limitation. By being isolated from other beneficial plant compounds, it lacks the communal harmony that other types offer, missing out on the full symphony of potential wellness benefits.
Also known as whole plant extract, full-spectrum CBD encompasses a comprehensive blend of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. Indeed, each and every compound naturally found within the hemp plant imparts its unique notes into the depths of full-spectrum extract, including the trace levels of THC.
This merging of plant parts allows for the entourage effect — where compounds, in their combined state, amplify each other’s potential benefits. Yet, this richness is a double-edged sword; the presence of THC in full-spectrum CBD products, however minute, might be a point of concern for those sensitive to its effects or those who prefer to avoid it altogether (or those who are worried about passing a drug test)
This is the bridge between the isolation of CBD and the collectivity of full-spectrum CBD oil. While broad-spectrum CBD oil, CBD gummies, and topicals also contain a wealth of nourishing plant parts, the main difference between full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD lies in its THC content.
During the extraction process for broad-spectrum CBD products, hemp’s trace amounts of THC are intentionally filtered out, while all other cannabinoids like CBN and CBG, terpenes, flavonoids, and other desirable plant parts are carefully kept intact. This provides the potential health benefits of a harmonized entourage effect without the overture of THC — a choice that many find both balanced and comforting.
Nestled deep within the verdant embrace of the hemp plant is a world rich and diverse. Beyond the well-known cannabinoids lies a mosaic of terpenes and flavonoids, each whispering their own tales of botanical wonder.
Terpenes, the soulful aromatic compounds, breathe life into hemp's fragrance, painting the air with earthy, citrusy, and floral notes. More than mere scents, they offer a myriad of wellness benefits, each terpene playing its role in soothing, uplifting, or balancing our senses.
Flavonoids, meanwhile, are nature's colors, painting the hemp plant in hues of greens, reds, and blues. As potent antioxidants, they safeguard our cells, supporting overall health and vigor. Beyond their defensive armor, they join forces with cannabinoids and terpenes, amplifying hemp's therapeutic potential.
This intricate dance of molecules, each contributing to the greater good of wellness, is what elevates the entourage effect and enhances CBD’s benefits. Recognizing this symphony of nature, we artfully infuse our Aplós Calme with broad-spectrum hemp extract.
A tribute to nature's wisdom, it captures the essence of hemp's diverse compounds, all while ensuring a THC-free experience — an eloquent toast to pure, unadulterated botanical wellness.
As twilight ushers in a soft evening, many seek a drink to unwind. But what if there was a drink that offers relaxation without the haze of alcohol? Hemp-infused drinks stand apart; they are not psychoactive, promise no morning regrets, and infuse wellness into each sip.
While alcohol often veils our senses, hemp-based beverages like Calme allow us to stay present, deeply embracing the allure of the moment and elevating our shared experiences. It's a call to celebrate togetherness without losing oneself, to bask in the magic of shared moments.
As the sun sets on one era, the dawn of another emerges in the realm of botanical wellness. Hemp and CBD, once shrouded in mystery and misunderstanding, now flourish, revealing their vast potential and the verdant secrets they hold.
In this lush landscape, Aplós Calme stands as a sentinel, embodying the epitome of broad-spectrum offerings. Its essence captures the very soul of natural relaxation — a gentle yet powerful reminder of nature's tranquil embrace.
Serene functional cocktails made with Aplós Calme serve as a testament to the magic of shared moments, a gentle nudge towards togetherness. Its very existence heralds a shift from the ordinary, inviting us to immerse in the allure of languid afternoons, to savor the intimacy and introspection of quiet evenings unfurling out before us, and to find solace in the spaces between.
In the ever-evolving tapestry of health and wellness, Aplós functional spirits serve as beacons. They remind us that the best alternatives don't just replace; they elevate. In every sip, in every shared toast, there's an invitation — to unwind, rejuvenate, and celebrate the profound simplicity of botanical wellness.
Sources:
Hemp | Description, Products, Seeds, Fiber, & Uses | Britannica
The endocannabinoid system: Essential and mysterious | Harvard Health